Recent research indicates that businesses selling organic products can gain a competitive advantage by using more circular, sustainable packaging. A Soil Association survey found that over half (55%) of consumers expect organic fresh produce packaging to have a low or no environmental impact. Two out of five (42%) expect organic products to be packaged in more environmentally friendly materials than non-organic alternatives.
Non-recyclable packaging was the most significant cause of concern for almost half (48%) of those surveyed, followed by excess packaging (42%) and plastic packaging (37%). Non-recycled plastic was the least preferred packaging option and the biggest barrier to purchasing organic fresh produce, with 50% saying they won’t buy a product packed in non-recycled plastic compared to just 11% who are put off by recyclable plastic.
According to foodservicefootprint.com, the Soil Association said this suggested a move away from people solely focusing on plastic pollution with key concerns broadening to encompass reusability and recyclability of packaging and its ability to be part of a circular economy.
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